WO1993009340A1 - Ameliorations apportees a des moteurs a dispositifs a pistons mis en ×uvre par expansion d'un gaz et a cylindres - Google Patents

Ameliorations apportees a des moteurs a dispositifs a pistons mis en ×uvre par expansion d'un gaz et a cylindres Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1993009340A1
WO1993009340A1 PCT/GB1992/001577 GB9201577W WO9309340A1 WO 1993009340 A1 WO1993009340 A1 WO 1993009340A1 GB 9201577 W GB9201577 W GB 9201577W WO 9309340 A1 WO9309340 A1 WO 9309340A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cylinder
piston
engine
relationship
skirt
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1992/001577
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Frederick Hufton
Original Assignee
Northern Engineering Industries Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Northern Engineering Industries Plc filed Critical Northern Engineering Industries Plc
Priority to EP92918252A priority Critical patent/EP0610220A1/fr
Priority to JP5508223A priority patent/JPH07504952A/ja
Publication of WO1993009340A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993009340A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02G—HOT GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT ENGINE PLANTS; USE OF WASTE HEAT OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02G3/00—Combustion-product positive-displacement engine plants
    • F02G3/02—Combustion-product positive-displacement engine plants with reciprocating-piston engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02G—HOT GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT ENGINE PLANTS; USE OF WASTE HEAT OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02G1/00—Hot gas positive-displacement engine plants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02G—HOT GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT ENGINE PLANTS; USE OF WASTE HEAT OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02G2250/00—Special cycles or special engines
    • F02G2250/03—Brayton cycles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an engine including a device comprising a piston within a cylinder, which piston is caused to move axially within the cylinder by the expansion of hot pressurised gases against an end face thereof. The resulting movement enables work to be done by the piston.
  • the present invention has particular efficacy in that system known as the "Brayton Cycle” engine, wherein air is compressed in one piston and cylinder combination, passed to an external combustor source where it is mixed with fuel and burned and the resulting hot gases passed to a further piston and cylinder combination and expanded against the further piston to achieve the desired result.
  • the "Brayton Cycle” engine wherein air is compressed in one piston and cylinder combination, passed to an external combustor source where it is mixed with fuel and burned and the resulting hot gases passed to a further piston and cylinder combination and expanded against the further piston to achieve the desired result.
  • a drawback common to such engine cycles as those described hereinbefore lies in their need for cooling and lubrication. Such needs generate complex structures including cooling medium channels and supplies and lubrication conduits and supplies in the region of maximum heat, and means for pumping those fluids in a recirculatory manner.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved engine which includes a gas expansion actuated piston and cylinder device.
  • an engine including a gas expansion actuated piston and cylinder device comprises a cylinder having hot pressurised gas inlet means at one end, exhaust porting spaced from said one end, a piston which for operation rests coaxially within said cylinder in radially spaced relationship therewith, an annular seal fixed to the cylinder downstream of the exhaust porting and engaging the piston in gas sealing, sliding relationship, and means engaging the piston skirt for maintaining the piston and cylinder in said coaxial, radially spaced relationship.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic example of a "Brayton Cycle” engine incorporating an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a view in the direction of arrow 2 in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional part view of the engine of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional part view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional part view of a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a diagrammatic example of a "Brayton Cycle” engine incorporating a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 7 and 8 are enlarged, cross-sectional views of optional constructional features of the valve stem and expansion cylinder respectively.
  • a "Brayton Cycle” engine 10 has a compressor 12 in the form of a piston 14 sliding within a cylinder 16. Reciprocatory motion of the piston 14 is brought about by, for example, a flywheel and crosshead slide arrangement (not shown) connected to a piston rod 18, and a compression spring 20 positioned between the pressure surface of the piston 14 and the end wall of the cylinder 16.
  • Air compressed in the cylinder 16 is passed to an external combustor device 22, mixed therein with fuel from a supply 24, and burned.
  • the gaseous products of combustion are passed to a further cylinder 26 which contains a further piston 28 in radially spaced relationship, wherein the gases expand and in so doing, push the piston 28 to the right as viewed in the drawing.
  • the piston 28 in the present example is connected via rod 32, to a linear generator 34, whilst the expanded gases are exhausted via a port 36. If it is so desired, the exhausted gases can be passed to a heat exchanger (not shown).
  • the piston 28, as shown would need the provision of a compression spring or other return means, to effect each return stroke. However, it could be directly connected to the piston 14 for self perpetuating reciprocation, assisted by the flywheel (not shown), after initiation by the linear generator 34 acting in reverse as a starter motor.
  • both cylinders 16 and 26 are fixed to three rods 38, which are spaced by spiders 40 and 42.
  • the spider 40 is suitably earthed.
  • the expansion piston 28 is affixed to the spider 42 which in turn, is slidably mounted on the three rods 38.
  • the cylinder 26 has external annular grooves 44 formed in its walls, so as to provide thin portions 46, which act to reduce the conduction of heat along the cylinder. Further heat containment is achieved by surrounding the cylinder 26 with a blanket of suitable heat insulation material 47.
  • An annular seal 46 is provided, also at that end of the cylinder remote from its gas inlet end.
  • the seal 46 is exposed to the expanding gases by virtue of the radial gap between the piston 28 and the cylinder 26, its exposure is minimised because the exhaust port 36 is positioned between the inlet 52 and the seal 46, and an axial temperature gradient is established in the cylinder wall.
  • the piston 28 supports the stem 49 of a valve 50, the head of which opens and closes a gas inlet port 52 at the upstream end of the cylinder 26. Movement of the valve coaxially of the piston 26 is brought about by a cam (not shown) which is connected for rotation by or with the flywheel (not shown) so as to act on the end of the stem 49 remote from the head 52, in known manner.
  • the exhaust valve 37 is operated in a similar manner thereto.
  • the upstream face of the piston 28 is covered in a layer of refractory material 56, so as to reduce heat transfer along the piston 28 to the seal 46, to a minimum.
  • valve stem 49 is provided with a heat insulating portion 60 within its length, which serves to reduce heat conduction from the expansion chamber.
  • the embodiment depicted in Figure 5 has a lengthened cylinder 26 and piston 28, so as to enable the fitting of a standard type of piston ring seal 62 to the bore of the cylinder 26, in a cool area adjacent the end extremity of the piston 28.
  • the stem 49 of the valve 50 is constructed from two parts 49a and 49b, which are spaced by heat insulating material 60. The whole is bolted together.
  • the cylinder 26 is depicted as comprising two parts 26a and 26b, spaced by heat insulating material 70, the whole being clamped by an annular 'U' clamp 72 of known kind.
  • the invention described herein relates to a single expansion cylinder 28.
  • a number of such, cylinders arranged for phased operation would be utilised, which would result in force and energy balancing, and provide a more uniform flow of gas through the combustor 22.
  • a "Brayton Cycle” engine when constructed in accordance with the present invention, operates more efficiently then hiterto and thus takes advantage of the inherently cleaner exhaust emissions that are possible with continuous combustion, relative to intermittent spark ignition or compression ignition engines.
  • the invention also provides advantages over and above known cooled systems.
  • the radial clearance between the piston and cylinder is of sufficient magnitude as to not create problems when the cylinder distorts through rise in temperature.
  • the seal 46 is not affected by the heat, firstly because it is positioned at the relatively cold end of the cylinder, downstream of the exhaust port and secondly, the bulk of the hot gas exits the cylinder without reaching the seal.
  • the lack of a cooling system simplifies the construction and reduces its cost, and any lubrication which may prove to be necessary, would be applied in relatively cold areas.
  • the provision of thermal barriers and layers of insulation reduces heat losses through conduction, and thus improves operating efficiency.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cylinder Crankcases Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Abstract

Un moteur de type Brayton présente un rendement amélioré grâce à un système éliminant l'appareil de refroidissement, à l'emploi d'un matériau isolant (56-47) dans la chambre d'expansion et sur la tête du piston et au positionnement du joint piston/cylindre (46) étanche au gaz sur la partie du piston la plus éloignée de l'arrivée de gaz. Le piston est maintenu concentrique par rapport au cylindre selon un mode de réalisation, par son maintien par une structure stationnaire (38) externe au cylindre. Une lubrification est appliquée à des parties se trouvant dans des zones qui sont froides par rapport aux dispositifs connus.
PCT/GB1992/001577 1991-10-30 1992-08-28 Ameliorations apportees a des moteurs a dispositifs a pistons mis en ×uvre par expansion d'un gaz et a cylindres WO1993009340A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP92918252A EP0610220A1 (fr) 1991-10-30 1992-08-28 Ameliorations apportees a des moteurs a dispositifs a pistons mis en oeuvre par expansion d'un gaz et a cylindres
JP5508223A JPH07504952A (ja) 1991-10-30 1992-08-28 ガス膨張作動ピストン・シリンダ装置を含むエンジンの改良

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB919122940A GB9122940D0 (en) 1991-10-30 1991-10-30 Improvements in engines including gas expansion actuated piston and cylinder devices
GB9122940.1 1991-10-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993009340A1 true WO1993009340A1 (fr) 1993-05-13

Family

ID=10703712

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1992/001577 WO1993009340A1 (fr) 1991-10-30 1992-08-28 Ameliorations apportees a des moteurs a dispositifs a pistons mis en ×uvre par expansion d'un gaz et a cylindres

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0610220A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH07504952A (fr)
GB (1) GB9122940D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1993009340A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0810356A1 (fr) * 1996-06-01 1997-12-03 ROLLS-ROYCE POWER ENGINEERING plc Moteur alternatif
WO2011144926A1 (fr) * 2010-05-19 2011-11-24 Rikard Mikalsen Moteur à combustion interne à pistons libres

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5972695B2 (ja) * 2012-07-19 2016-08-17 本田技研工業株式会社 スターリングエンジン

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR443093A (fr) * 1912-04-27 1912-09-16 Oscar Frederick Gunz Perfectionnements apportés aux moteurs atmosphériques
FR2360761A1 (fr) * 1976-08-05 1978-03-03 Philips Nv Moteur a gaz chaud
FR2567195A1 (fr) * 1984-07-05 1986-01-10 Andres Jean Moteur thermique 2 temps a injection pour production d'electricite.
US4783963A (en) * 1986-02-28 1988-11-15 Thomas Luther B Internal combustion steam engine
EP0409428A1 (fr) * 1989-07-17 1991-01-23 Isuzu Motors Limited Moteur à quatre temps avec isolation thermique

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR443093A (fr) * 1912-04-27 1912-09-16 Oscar Frederick Gunz Perfectionnements apportés aux moteurs atmosphériques
FR2360761A1 (fr) * 1976-08-05 1978-03-03 Philips Nv Moteur a gaz chaud
FR2567195A1 (fr) * 1984-07-05 1986-01-10 Andres Jean Moteur thermique 2 temps a injection pour production d'electricite.
US4783963A (en) * 1986-02-28 1988-11-15 Thomas Luther B Internal combustion steam engine
EP0409428A1 (fr) * 1989-07-17 1991-01-23 Isuzu Motors Limited Moteur à quatre temps avec isolation thermique

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0810356A1 (fr) * 1996-06-01 1997-12-03 ROLLS-ROYCE POWER ENGINEERING plc Moteur alternatif
WO2011144926A1 (fr) * 2010-05-19 2011-11-24 Rikard Mikalsen Moteur à combustion interne à pistons libres
CN103038450A (zh) * 2010-05-19 2013-04-10 泰恩河畔纽卡斯尔大学 自由活塞内燃机
US9032918B2 (en) 2010-05-19 2015-05-19 University Of Newcastle Upon Tyne Free-piston internal combustion engine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9122940D0 (en) 1991-12-18
EP0610220A1 (fr) 1994-08-17
JPH07504952A (ja) 1995-06-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5641273A (en) Method and apparatus for efficiently compressing a gas
US4790284A (en) Regenerative internal combustion engine
US8683984B2 (en) Thermocompression motor
US3937018A (en) Power piston actuated displacer piston driving means for free-piston stirling cycle type engine
US7273023B2 (en) Steam enhanced double piston cycle engine
WO1996007816A2 (fr) Systeme de soupapes a rouleaux a ouverture variable pour moteur a combustion interne
GB2302566A (en) Regenerated engine with an improved heating stroke
JP4275534B2 (ja) 静止型再生器、再生往復動エンジン
WO2012042272A2 (fr) Joints pour arbre tournant et boucles de brûleur
US4306414A (en) Method of performing work
US20070101717A1 (en) Energy recuperation machine system for power plant and the like
US4722188A (en) Refractory insulation of hot end in stirling type thermal machines
US20120255434A1 (en) Piston
US4069671A (en) Stirling engine combustion assembly
US4008574A (en) Power plant with air working fluid
WO1993009340A1 (fr) Ameliorations apportees a des moteurs a dispositifs a pistons mis en ×uvre par expansion d'un gaz et a cylindres
US4841928A (en) Reciprocal engine with floating liner
US6474058B1 (en) Warren cycle engine
US4545205A (en) Stirling cycle or compressor-type thermal engine having a power source positioned externally to or internally to its cylinders
US2657552A (en) Hot gas engine refrigerator
CN101253316A (zh) 蒸汽增强的双活塞循环发动机
WO1999047803A1 (fr) Moteur de rankine integre
EP1495223B1 (fr) Moteur a combustion externe
JPH0354348A (ja) スターリングエンジンの出力制御装置
NL2024832B1 (en) Energy transfer apparatus and associated methods

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): JP US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1992918252

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: US

Ref document number: 1994 211665

Date of ref document: 19940414

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1992918252

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1992918252

Country of ref document: EP